The lowdown on Rangers Europa League last-32 opponents Royal Antwerp

Steven Gerrard’s men take on their opponents in the first leg at the Bosuilstadion on Thursday evening.

Here is the lowdown on Rangers’ opponents.

Manager

Franky Vercauteren is no stranger to European success as a player, winning the European Cup Winners’ Cup twice, the UEFA Cup and two European Super Cups with Anderlecht. He was also a key member of the Belgium squad that reached the 1986 World Cup semi-finals. The 56-year-old was appointed in early January. He has previously managed a number of clubs in Belgium including Anderlecht and had an interim spell in charge of his national team in 2009.

Squad

Antwerp have some major selection issues with star striker Dider Lamkel Ze suspended and his natural replacement Dieumerci Mbokani out with a calf injury. Uruguayan forward Felipe Avenatti, who faced Gers for Standard Liege in the group stages, is eligible but it has been speculated that Vercauteren may play without a recognised striker. Several other players are out or doubtful meaning Vercauteren will have what he says is a maximum of 18 first-team players available.

Form

Antwerp have won six out of 10 matches since their managerial change with their most recent game a 1-1 draw with Liege on Sunday, which left them second in the league, 13 points adrift of Club Brugge. Antwerp finished a point behind Tottenham in the group stage but did beat Spurs at home. They finished on 12 points, ahead of LASK and Ludogorets.

European Pedigree

Antwerp ended a 25-year exile from European competition last season but went out at the Europa League play-off stage against AZ Alkmaar. Their best season by far in Europe was in 1992-93 when they got to the Cup Winners’ Cup final before losing to Parma. They have twice faced Scottish clubs, suffering a 7-2 thrashing by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in 1966 but inflicting a 4-0 UEFA Cup defeat on Dundee United in Belgium in 1990, little over two years after Jim McLean’s side had reached the final.

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